Diplomacy efforts intensify among Gulf nations amid US-Iran tensions

US Threats Against Iran Spark Diplomatic Efforts from Gulf Nations

The United States and Iran have been engaged in heightened tensions, with US President Donald Trump threatening military action against Tehran. The situation has prompted diplomatic efforts from neighboring Gulf nations, who are concerned about the potential consequences of such an attack.

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman have been actively involved in diplomatic outreach between Iranian and American officials in an effort to de-escalate tensions. These countries recognize that a US strike on Iran could lead to widespread instability in the region.

According to experts, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) officials were uncertain about US intentions due to the breakdown of communication channels between Washington and Tehran. The situation escalated after Trump repeatedly threatened military action against Iran, citing the need for “help” from Iranian citizens.

Iran has reported over 100 security force personnel killed in clashes with protesters, while opposition activists claim that more than 1,000 protesters have been affected since demonstrations began in late December. However, these figures are not independently verifiable.

The region is bracing for an escalation, as Gulf nations fear a military strike on Iran could disrupt oil prices and trigger retaliation on their soil. This concern is rooted in past incidents, including the 2019 attack by Iranian-backed Houthis on Saudi Arabia’s oil facilities and the 2020 attack on Qatar’s Al Udeid airbase.

Iran has warned regional countries that US bases in those nations would be attacked if the US targets Iran. The drawdown of personnel from the Al Udeid airbase followed a senior Iranian official’s statement to Reuters. Trump later stated that he had received information indicating an end to killings in Iran, but did not rule out military action.

Each Gulf Cooperation Council member has a unique history with Iran, but they all share concerns about the potential consequences of a US attack on Tehran. The collapse of Iraq following the 2003 US-led invasion is seen as a cautionary tale by these countries, who do not want to see a similar scenario unfold in a country with over 90 million people and an arsenal of weapons at its disposal.

Source: Al Jazeera